Running, in general, requires both physical effort and varying levels of mental focus depending on both fitness level and the environment. Running on the pavement allows us to focus on endurance, efficiency and longevity. It doesn’t require much attention on each step because the terrain is consistent and foreseeable (sans significant bumps or potholes). We can zone out, listen to music or a book, or just soak up some deep thought and tranquility. Trail running on the other hand requires a heightened awareness of our surroundings and particularly on the path in front of us. The unevenness, small hazards and uncertainty of each few feet keeps us highly engaged. Every trail runner has suffered the consequences of not paying attention, letting our minds wander even if just for a second, and boom, down we go.
There are three significant benefits of trail running. First, time moves more quickly for trail runners due to the high level of focus and engagement. Want to kill an hour but it only feels like twenty minutes? Try trail running. Second, it builds a habit of heightened attention on our surroundings. We learn to pay attention to the little stuff. Three, we hone the skill of response to the unexpected (improvisation). Through practice, we learn exactly how much to pick up our feet to clear the obstacles, when to shift balance, when to slow or hasten our pace. After a while, it seems almost effortless.
We can treat our lives and our work like pavement running. But we need to understand the consequences. Doing something predictable, step by step, day after day, brings comfort…the comfort of knowing what happens next. But, apart from efficiency, it doesn’t bring much change. So, if this is what’s on order…do the other thing, the unpredictable. Go trail running instead.
Leading change is a choice we all get to make…choose wisely.